1411 W. Saragosa Place Chandler, AZ 85224 (Phone): 602-324-7243 Email: keetab@gmail.com

Assalam o alaikum,

The purpose of TA’ARUF, a monthly e-newsletter is to provide some material for Islamic studies. TA’ARUF will refrain from introducing any personal views, sectar-ian prejudices and nar-row ideas. Selection of Quranic verses and Prophetic Traditions will be in light to improve the under-standing of Islamic concept, a guide to do better studies and to build infrastructure that may help to under-stand and practice Islam.

We pray to Almighty Allah! O our Lord! Accept our humble dedication. Verily Thou art the Mighty, the Wise. (Ameen).

Syed S. Zoha Hashmi.

( MAKTABA-E-SALIK )

Email: keetab@gmail.com

A N I N T R O D U C T I O N T O I S L A M

TA’ARUF June 2006 Volume 1 Issue 1

MAKTABA-E-SALIK

[al-Qayyama75:16-19] Move not thy tongue concerning the (Qur'an) to make haste therewith. [16] It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it: [17] But when We have promulgated it, follow thou its recital (as promulgated): [18] Nay more, it is for Us to explain it (and make it clear): [19] {Yusufali }

The above ayyats are from Sura al-Qayyama. The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) is said to have been con-cerned that he might forget some of the revealed words so he used to repeat them the very moment of revelation. The above ayyats are in the first instance addressed to the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) but there is no doubt that it applies to every person who reads, listens to or studies the Qur’an. The Qur’an is the word of Allah, if one is really intent on understanding the message, he must beware of a “hasty approach”. In Sura Ta-haa , Allah (Subhan Wa Taala) says:

The above Ayyat lays stress on need to read slowly and patiently to give full thought to the meaning of each word and phrase and to avoid the hasty approach in reading or listening. It is very important that one must not draw hasty conclusions from isolated verses or sentences taken out of their context, but should rather allow the whole

[Ta-haa 20:114] High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth! Be not in haste with the Qur'an before its revelation to thee is com-pleted, but say, "O my Lord! advance me in knowledge."[ Yusufali]

(continued page 4)

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P a g e 2 T a ’ a r u f

Quranic vocabulary

MAKTABA-E-SALIK

H a d i t h

NEED OF HADITH The Qur’an stands unique and unrivalled not only for its remaining pure from corruptions of ages, but also for its complete-ness of teachings, catholicity of views and universality of principles. Those principles were illustrated and explained in the best possible manner in prophetic life of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) and in his sermons and actions. The Qur’an declares:

[al-Ahzab 33:21] Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beauti-ful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah.

His preaching and sermons are not found only as “talk” , he led armies as model of commander in battle field, we see him as hus-band, to give us practical rules for guidance of family consisting sons, daughters, wives and servants, we see him as a devout and true pious man to show examples to those who dedicate themselves to Allah. There are examples in all field of life for us. There are so many instances for example like “ prayers and Zakat” that Qur’an is without formulation of the particulars. It was Sunnah or practices of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) which gave them a practical shape and form. In Islam every point is illustrated and explained by Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) himself in his percepts and examples. A Muslim therefore stands in absolute need of a copy of The Qur’an and a copy of Hadith for guidance of his life. The sayings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) and his silence implying a tacit approbation of any action done in his presence by his disciples, were all but inspirations and not mere frivolous talks that are usually held at one’s leisure. The traditions have therefore , got no less value than what is sup-posed to be.

[53:3] Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire

[53:4] It is no less than inspiration sent down to him:

haste

Ever hasty

A sign, revelation

increase

an increase

more, addi-tional

Is com-pleted

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P a g e 3 V o l u m e 1 I s s u e 1 MAKTABA-E-SALIK

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from page 1 Quranic Studies.

of the Qur’an to be completed. Only the study of the whole Qur’an can give us a correct insight.

Qur’an can be understood only if it is read thoughtfully, as one integral whole, and not a mere collection of moral maxims, stories or

disjointed laws. If Qur’an is read as it ought to be read, it becomes “its own best commentary”. It

is very clear that He (Subhan Wa Taala) is to make us remember it and to cause it to be read

with mind and heart. Since Allah (Subhan Wa Taala) is who reveals the Qur’an (message in words) and bestows upon man the ability to un-derstand it He attributes its “recitation” to Himself. We are taught to be not in haste with Qur’an but say,

“O my Lord, advance me

in knowledge”.

Scholars have described some external and internal manners of reading Qur’an as follows:

External Manners

1. Perform ablution or take bath if necessary.

2. Sit facing towards Ka’ba .

3. Remember before you start reading the Holy Qur’an ,

Say:

“I take refuge to Thee from the accursed devil. In the name of Allah the most merciful, The Most Compas-sionate”.

4. Read slowly, distinctly and intelligently with

focus on meanings.

5. Read with sweet and melodious voice.

Internal Manners

1. Take a minute before opening the pages. Ask yourself, why are you reading ? Is it just to get information? Remember Prophet Muhammad

(sallallahu alayhi wassalam) is described as “walking Qur’an”.

2. Keep in mind The Qur’an is not just another book.

3. By reading one interacts Allah (Subhan Wa Taala) . He is talking to you, pay attention.

4. Make a habit of reading at least a page daily. Do not rush to complete the Book. Read the whole Qur’an, minimum once a year.

5. Read the translation in the language you un-derstand the best.

6. Every day after reading perform supplication

(Dua) to Allah (Subhan Wa Taala) .

[al-Baqara,2:286] "Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a bur-den Like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us for-giveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector;

Help us against those who stand against faith."

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P a g e 4 T a ’ a r u f MAKTABA-E-SALIK

[al-Nahal ,16:98] When thou dost read the Qur'an, seek Allah's protection from Satan the rejected one. [Yusufali]